Non-caking filter-press.



H. A. VALLEZ.

NON-CAKING FILTER PRESS. APPLICATION FILED FEB-24.1914.

Patented May 29, 1917.

5 SHEETSSHEET I.

H. A. VALL EZ.

NON-CAKING FILTER PRESS. APPLICATION FILED FEB- 24. I914- 5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Patented May 29 H. A. VALLEZ. NON-CAKINGFILTER PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 24, 191-4- r Patented May 29,1917.

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APPLICATION FILED FEB. 24.1914.

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. Patented May 29,1917.

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NON-BAKING FILTER PRESS.

APPLICATION FILED F-E B- 24. I914.

Patented May 29,1917.

5 SNEETS-SHEET 5.

mY A. VALLEZ, OI BAY CITY, MICHIGAN.

HON-CARING FILTER-PRESS.

I Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 29, 1917.

Application filed February 94, 1914. Serial No. 820,528.

- "To all whovn it may concern:

useful Improvements in Jon-Calling Be it known that I, Hnrmr A. VALLEZ, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Bay City, in the county of Bay and State of Michigan, have invented certain neivvland i ter- Presses; and I do hereby declare that the the filtering elements;

followin is a full, clear, and exact descri tion of t es ame, reference being had to t e accompanying drawings, and to the numerals' of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

In most types of filter presses a common; disadvantage to be taken into account both in the design of the press, as well as in the operation thereof, is the formation of a cake, due to the depositFof the precipitate upon The formation of this cake with an increase in density and thickness thereof, not only tends 'to retard the filtration through the filter elements, but

also necessitates a loss of time and inconvenlence in removing the cake from the V press, aswell as requiring-the expert services of an operator to watch the press during a filtering operation and prevent the formation of the cake beyond certain limits.

This invention has for its object the construction of a filter press wherein positively actuated mechanisms are provided to continually churn the contents of the press and prevent the permanent deposit of the pre cipitate on the filtering elements, maintaining the residue in the form of a'slush or mud, and kee ing the surfaces of the filtering elements ree at all times.

his invention relates 'to that type of filter press in which the filterin elements are stationary. The press is so esigned as toperpermitting ready removal of any one or all of the filterin elements therefrom. It is an ob ect of this invention to construct a filter press wherein a plurality of filtering elements are mounted adjacent one another in vertical position and having power driven agitating and scraping means rotating between the filtering elements to stir thecontents of the press and clean the,

surface of the filter elements It is also an object of this invention to provide .a construction wherein individual piping connections are provided for each filtering element leading to a common discharge manifold, so that in the event of accident to one or more individual filtering elements the communication therebetween and the discharge manifold. may becut oil and the operation completed with'the other filtering elements.

It is also an object of this invention to construct a 'filter press wherein means are provided for introducing steam, air or water through a multitude of inlets to direct the flow of the fluid between the filtering elements to thoroughly ,wash the same of the adhering material thereon and introduce into the filter press different fluids for the different purposes desired.

It is a further object of this invention to construct a filter press wherein suitable pi e connections are provided for introducing t e juice to be filtered at one end of the device near the bottom thereof and with a lurality It is also an object of this invention to construct a filter pres embodying filters of novel construction having a discharge outlet of jets capable of admittingpther uids for for each filter communicating in the bottom thereofand controlled'by a three-way valve to cut off, or open communication between the same and a manifold discharge pipe or direct a flow through a small spigot for It is furthermore an object of this invention toconstruct a filter press provided with power driven means to agitate and stir the contents of the pres and-maintain the surfaces of the filtering elements clear to prew vent the formation of a cake thereon, and with means for washing the recipitated contents to obtain the sugar om the residue and finally dischargin the washed precipitate through a central y disposed discharge in the bottom of the press.

It is finall an object of this invention to construct a lter press easily operated and operating efliciently to perform the purpose, and provided with piping connections to permit a flow of fluid to be passed through the device in either direction through the filtering elements to thoroughly clean the same conjointly with the action of scraping mechanisms for the purpose.

The invention (in a preferred form), is illustrated in the drawings and hereinafter more fully described.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a device embodying the princi les of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a side e evation thereof.

Fig. 3 is an end elevation at the driving end of the filter press.

Fig. 4 is a vertical transverse section taken on line 44 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal vertical section taken through the filter press slightly broken away and with parts shown in section and in elevation to illustrate the c0nnecti0n and assembly of the elements.

Fig. 6 is an elevation partly broken away of one of the filtering elements, showing the construction thereof.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary section on line 77 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary section on line 88 of Fig. 6. v I

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary section on line 99 of Fig.6.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary section on line 10 10 of Fig. 6.

Fig.11 is a'fragmentary section 11-11 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary section of the lower portion of the entire drum taken on line 1212 of Fig. 4 and broken away, showing the position of the inlet and outlet pipes in the drum.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary detail section of the vent valve taken on line 13-13 of Fig. 3.

As shown in the drawings on line The filter press comprises a drum consist--,

ing of two sections of semi-cylind'rical'shape, the one a stationary section denoted by the reference numeral 1, and the other'by the numeral 2, and connected to said section 1, by meansof hinges 3, along the upper side of the drum. Said hinge members are recessed and provided with a gasket 4, to form a seal at the joints-of the sections when in closed position. Said drum is closed and sup orted by end members 5 and 6, respective y, each of which has "formed integral therewith a supporting base denoted respectively by the reference numerals 7 and 8. Each ofsaid head members 5 and 6, have formed integrally and centrally thereon a bearing gland member 9, which cooperates with an adjustable gland member" 10, to receive a driving shaft 11, axially through the with perforated meta drum, suplporting the shaft rotatably and in sealing re ation therein.

The filtering elements denoted as a whole shaft and spaced therealong. to rotate between adjacent filtering elements, are scraping or agitating bars or arms 13.

Secured within the lower half of the drum, one on each of the respective sections 1 and 2, are supporting ribs 14, which receive the filtering elements 12, thereon, and together with said shaft 11, serve to hold the same in position. An inlet manifold 0r header 15, extends horizontally along the exterior of the drum at one side thereof, and communicates through a number of small pipes 16, through said drum section 1, to introduce water, steam or air, as desired, into the drum between the adjacent filtering elements 12. The flow through said manifold 15, is controlled by a suitable valve 17, and said manifold receives its supply of fluid from either the Water pipe 18, having a valve 19, or the steam or. air pipe 20, having a valve 21, which communicates in a'right angledflcross 22, which also receives the end of said manifold15, therein.

A centrally disposed outlet pipe 23, is provided in the bottom of the'drum communicating in saiddruiii section 1, and is provided with a suitable valve 24, to open orand the flow therethrough is governed by a valve 26. Each of said filtering elements comprises a spider having hollow arms 27-, as clearly shown in Fig. 8, and a rim 28, and

lie plates 29, secured on each side of said spider to said arms and rim respectively byscrew's or bolts for the purpose. l

A hollow arm 30, slightly larger than the arm 27, is alined on a radius on the same diameter with the slot before mentioned in the filtering elements, and the purpose of said arm is to permit attachment theretoof the margins of semicircular filter cloth bags '31 and 32, respectively, by means of bars 33,

rigidly secured to said arm by means of screws. U-shaped clamping bars 33, are also provided for attaching the respective filter cloth bags at their terminating edges along the radial slot in the filter element.

Threaded into-the lower end of each of the filtering elements through the rim 28,

thereof, is an eduction filtrate pipe 34, and these extend downwardly from said filter elements and outwardly through complementary bosses 35, secured along the meeting surfaces of the respective drum sections 1 mavpsa and 2,. having recesses therein to receive fgaskets 36, surrounding the eduction pi and preventing leakage, A threeway vave 37, is mounted-in said pipe 34, and is provided with a spigot 38, to permit a test sample of the fluid to be taken from'time to a time, and the outer endof said eduction pipe 34, is secured by m ans of ,a suitable pipe connection into a .c iimmon discharge manifold 39., for the filtrate.

.It is thus readily apparent that the upper section 2, may be swung open about its "hinges 3, without interfering in any way with the eduction ipes 34, and if it is desired to remove a tering element from the press for repair or replacement of the fabric,

'said eduction pipe is first disconnected from 45, which is thread directed branch of the cross 22. 1 A pipe 46,

communicates with one of the branches of said T 42, and is provided with a valve 47,

to control the flow of the filtrate from the press, and another pipe 48, also communicates in said T 42, and is provided with a valve 49, to receive the sweet water from the press after the washing 0 eration of the precipitate. A float control ed vent valve 13 mounted in the top of the drum upon the section 2, and consists of a casing 50, having a float 51, therein, mounted upon a stem 52, with a valve closure 53, which, when the float is elevated serves to close against the upper outlet passage in said, casing to close the same.

In order to rotate or permit the agitating or scraping elements 13, to remain at rest within the drum, tight and loose pulleys, denoted respectively by the reference numerals 54 and 55, are mounted upon the outer end of said shaft 11, to receive a belt thereabout from any suitable source of power. The operation is as follows: When the press is empty all the valves are closed with theexception of the inlet valve 26,. for the juice,-and the outlet valve 47,

. and the juice is then admitted into the ress under pressure. When the level of the mice rises within the drum the float valve'in the top thereof is closed immediately following the expulsion of air from the drum. The shaft 11, is then rotated and the contents of the press are churned and stirred by the agitating arms 13,"which at the same time serve to clear the surfaces of the filtering eleres and is connected to said ments from adhering precipitated matter, and

enters the discharge manifold 39, through the respective eduction pipes 34, provided for the pu In the event of accident to any one o the filtering elements the threewav valves 37 may be successively actuated and a'sample taken to determine which is the ,defective filteigand that element may then be cut out of operation by closing the valve 37, and'preventmg a flow into sai dischar e manifold 39.

' the filtrate from each of the filtering elements I en the precipitated matter within the I ress becomes. so dense as to hinder the tering operation the inlet valve 26, is

closed and a charge of water is dmitted to the manifold header 15, and su cient water is atthis tiine admitted to thoroughly wash the m (1 within the res to dissolve out the traces -0 sugar. The valve 47,

is closed and the valve 49, opened to permit the. sweet water to flow oil. to suitable containers for the purpose. The press is then flushed with water by closing all the valves with the exception of ,va1ves17 and 19, and discharge valve 24, so that the residue is entirely removed from the press, the agitating arms 13, greatly assisting in. the operation. A reverse flow may be maintained through the filtering elements to insure a thorough cleansing thereof by closing the valve 17 and opening the valves 37 and 44, permitting the water to flow into the press through the manifold 39, admitting water into each of the filtering elements through the eduction pipes 34, and of course. this wash wateris discharged through the pipe-23, in the bottom of the press. By

suitablymanipulating the valves steam or air under pressure, as desired, may be admitted into the manifold header-15, either for forcing'the sweet water from the press or assisting the filtration operation prior to the admission of sweet water into the device.

I am aware,that various details of construction may be varied through a wide range without departing from the principles of this invention. I therefore do not purpose limitingthe patent granted otherwise than necessitated by the prior art.

I claim as my invention; 1. In a device of the clam described a casing, an axial member therein, a plurality of filtering elements slotted to-engage upon said member, agitating means movable between each of said filtering elements to stir the contents of the press and clean the surface of said elements, and means In intaining said filter elements stationary uring the movement of said agitating means. 2. Ina filter press a plurality of stationary slotted filter elements, the slots permitting independent insertion and removal of any one of said elements into and from said filter press, and a plurality of rotatable agitating arms movable therebetween to stir the contents of the press and clean the surface of said filtering elements.

3. In adevice ofthe class described a casing comprising hinged sections, a drive shaft extending co-axially through said casing, supporting means on the side walls of said resting on said supporting means and constructed for engagement with said drive shaft for support thereby to permit removal of any one of said filter elements independently of the others when said hinged casing is opened agitating arms secured on said drive shaft sweeping between adjacent filter elements to clean the same and stir the contents of the casing, and means drawing ofi the filtrate from each of said filter elements.

4. In a device of the class described a casing, a plurality of stationary filtering ele-.

ments therein, each having a radial opening .therethrough to permit independent removal of each from said casing, agitating arms moving over the surface thereof to prevent the formation of a cake thereon, and an individual eduction pipe for each of said filtering elements. p

5. In a device of the class described a casing, means 'on the inner walls thereof forming supports thereon, filter elements within said casing supported on said means,

a centrally disposed shaft within said casing and journaled to rotate therein, each of said filtering elements constructed to engage agitating arms rigidly secured thereon to caslng, a plurality of filter elements,

rotate therewith, filtering elements disposed between each pair of said agitating elements and held stationary within said casing, said filtering elements slotted to ermit ready removal thereof from said casing, and an individual valved eduction pipe for each of said filtering elements communicating outwardly through the casing.

8. In a device of the class described a casing, a shaft extending therethrough, agitating arms thereon, a plurality of stationary filtering elements disposed between adjacent pairs'of said agitating arms, said filter elements slotted to permit the same to be slipped over said shaft,'ribs Within said casing to assist in supporting said'filtering elements on said shaft, and means withdrawing the filtrate from each of said filtering elements.

9..In a device of the class described an axially supported filter element having a slot therein to permit removal thereof from the device in a plane perpendicular to the axis thereof.

10. In a filter press of the class described a casing, ahinged section forming a part thereof adapted to be opened, and filter elements within said casing, radially slotted to permit insertion into and removal from said casing when the hinged section thereof is opened.

11. A filter press of the class described comprising upper -and lower casing sections hingedly connected, a centrally disposed supporting means within said casing, and

a plurality of slotted filter elements adapted 1 for engagement over said supporting means and capable of being removed independently of one another from said casing when the hinged section thereof is opened.

In testimony whereofI have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HENRY A. VALLEZ.

Witne$es: I

CHARLns W. HILLS, Jr., E. SAINTZ. 

